GIRL SCOUTS AWARDS AND RECOGNITION CEREMONY 2026
THE MAXWELL CENTER MARCH 7, 2026
THE FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE AWARD
This award was introduced to recognize area teams for their service and dedication to support and further the Girl Scout Movement in the communities we serve. All service units are evaluated on 5 key metrics and the top 25% are chosen as the friendship circle award recipients!
• Durham 10-North/West
• Franklin County
• Harnett County
• Lee County
• New Hanover County
• Orange County
• Pender County
• Wake 13-Wake Forest/Rolesville
THE CEO AWARD
• Wake 14-North/East Raleigh
• Wake 15-Fuquay-Varina
• Wake 18-North/Central Raleigh
• Wake 19-Cary/Morrisville
• Wake 22-Garner
• Wake 23-Apex/Holly Springs
The Chief Executive Officer Award recipients are selected from among the year’s Friendship Circle Awardees. The Awardees are asked to complete a questionnaire providing additional information about the success of their service unit. Typically, 4 to 6 service units are then chosen as a CEO Award recipient.
Durham 10
Amber Craig
Chip Reinhardt
Cindy Sortisio
Dawn Cates
Errin Humbert
Jackie Waccholz
Kelly Campbell
Shannon Thornburg
Harnett County
Gabrielle Beason
LaRae Fletcher
Rachel Hall-Bailey
Rudy Otero
Samantha Meeks
Sandra Matthews
Sharon Lynn
Orange County
Anna Lorenz
Cecily Nisbet
Christa Kavanagh
Jackie Thompson
Jullia Rosdahl
Kelley Massengale
Kim Watkins
Latoya Williams-Clark
Laura Philpot
Lauren Irving
Paige Barnett
Rachel Frawley
Rebecca DePasquale
Pender County
Amorie Walker
Becky Gurganious
Crystal Havens
Gretchen Willis
Jordan Cline
Katie Hite
Kensley Minor
Laura Gulsrud
Lauren McAllister
Melissa Schleinkofer
Savannah Hubach
Stephanie White
Wake 13
Amy Bohlayer
Anja Uske
Carol Heckman
Erika Strawn-Kuntz
Julie Brown
Kelly Eddins
Kristina Wainwright
Laura Cox
Niroshi Wijewickrema
Rachel Jones
Rachel Koehler
Timeri Hudson
Vanessa Ladrie
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
The Distinguished Service Award is unique to Girl Scouts–North Carolina Coastal Pines and is presented to an individual, community group, or registered adult volunteer for a minimum of two years distinguished service to the area.
• Adrienne Alexander, CumberlandCentral/Fayetteville
• Amber Daniels, Richmond County
• Andrea Ramos-Lewis, Durham 10-North/ West
• Bailey Dunaway, Johnston County
• Becca Gauzza, Wake 15-Fuquay-Varina
• Beth Lavin, Wake 23
• Candace Coon, Johnston County
• Chrissy Herron, Wake 23-Apex/Holly Springs
• Christina Edwards, Robeson County
• Christy Isenhour, Wake 22-Garner
• Christy Pruitt, Person County
• Dawn Inglis, Craven County
• Diane Buchner, Craven County
• Earlean Rivers, Duplin County
• Elizabeth Leegins, Johnston County
• Erika Strawn Kuntz, Wake 13-Wake Forest/Rolesville
• Errin Humbert, Durham 10-North/West
• Gabriela Gomez, Cumberland-Greater Cumberland
• Jennifer Hall, Wake 22-Garner
• Julie Taylor, Carteret County
• Karen Bograd, Wake 14-North/East Raleigh
• Kathy Pitney, Wake 19-Cary/Morrisville
• Kelley Santos, Hoke County
• Kendra Thoene, Hoke County
• Kensley Minor-Padgett, Pender County
• Kerrie Gottschall, Wake 14-North/East Raleigh
• Kim Pressley, Wake 23-Apex/Holly Springs
• Kim Williams, Pamlico County
• Kimberly Washabaugh, CumberlandCentral/Fayetteville
• Kristina Wainwright, Wake 13-Wake Forest/Rolesville
• LaRae Fletcher, Harnett County
• Laura Gulsrud, Pender County
• Linda Crumel-Fuller, CumberlandGreater Cumberland
• McKenna Williams, Wake 14-North/East Raleigh
• Melanie Butdorf, Wake 23-Apex/Holly Springs
• Mellisa Smith, Wake 14-North/East Raleigh
• Nichole Gill, Craven County
• Penny Sydnor, Craven County
• Robin Krause, Durham 10-North/West
• Shawna Schnorr, Wake 23-Apex/Holly Springs
• Sherri Hitchcock-Hutson, Onslow County
• Stephanie Lynch, Durham 11-South/East
• Tamara Albrecht, Wake 14-North/East Raleigh
• Tracy Roberson, Hoke County
• Victoria “Tori” Jones, Wake 22-Garner
• Virginia Davis, Cumberland-Central/ Fayetteville
• Wendy Real, Wake 23-Apex/Holly Springs
COMMUNITY PARTNER OF EXCELLENCE
AWARD
• Archer Lodge Community Center, Johnston County
• Beth Shalom, Wake 23-Apex/Holly Springs
• Bull City Hospitality, Durham 10-North/West
• Cabela’s Bass Pro Shop, Johnston County
• Cape Fear Presbyterian Church, New Hanover
• Chestnut Street Methodist Church, Robeson County
• First Presbyterian Church, Onslow County
• First United Methodist Church - Cary, Wake 19Cary/Morrisville
• Forest Hill Presbyterian, Wilson County
• Foster Street Coffee, Durham 11-Central
• Fuquay Varina United Methodist Church, Wake 15-Fuquay-Varina
• Generation Church, Johnston County
• GLOW - Girls Leadership Academy of Wilmington, New Hanover
• Holland’s United Methodist Church, Wake 22-Garner
• Miller-Motte College, Cumberland-Central/ Fayetteville
• Nash Produce, Nash County
• Oakland Presbyterian Church, Johnston County
• Raeford United Methodist Church, Hoke County
• Rock Creek Baptist Church, Nash County
• Rum Runner Dive Shop, Pitt County
• Salem United Methodist Church, Pitt County
• The Morning Rush 107.9, Pitt County
• The Town of Nashville, Nash County
• Red Oak, Nash County
• Wesley Pines, Robeson County
• White Oak Baptist Church, Johnston County
• White Plains United Methodist Church, Wake 19-Cary/Morrisville
• Word Tabernacle Church, Nash County
GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA
APPRECIATION PIN
The GSUSA Appreciation Pin recognizes a registered adult volunteer who has delivered outstanding service to at least one area or program delivery audience.
• Amanda Daniel, Cumberland-Central/ Fayetteville
• Amelia Pullar, Onslow County
• Angela Byrum, Johnston County
• Danika Cooper, Pitt County
• Dawn Cates, Durham 10-North/West
• Donna Miller, Wake 20-Knightdale/Wendell/ Zebulon
• Elizabeth Russell, Hoke County
• Gabrielle Beason, Harnett County
• Gina Caldanaro, Wake 14-North/East Raleigh
• Heather Hill, Brunswick County
• Hope Inglis, Craven County
• Hope Meeks, Cumberland-Greater Cumberland
• Jennifer Bertling, Craven County
• Jennifer Panek, Durham 10-North/West
• Jerrie Brehm, Hoke County
• Jessica Goldman, Wayne County
• Johanna Westlake, Wake 19-Cary/Morrisville
• Jordan Cline, Pender County
• Julie Kusmierski, Onslow County
• Katherine Hamilton, Wake 14-North/East Raleigh
• Kelly Alcock, Wake 19-Cary/Morrisville
• Kelly Campbell, Durham 10-North/West
• Kim Watkins, Orange County
• Ladonna Miller-Humes, Nash County
• Lezley Dellinger, Onslow County
• Lilly Lyle, Hoke County
• Marina Elliot, Cumberland-Central/Fayetteville
• Marsha Beasley, Johnston County
• Mary Beth Roberson, Franklin County
• Maureen Currence, Onslow County
• Mirthia Rodriguez, Cumberland-Greater Cumberland
• Misty Murphy, Wake 14-North/East Raleigh
• Myra Walters, Robeson County
• Natalie Spring, Durham 10-North/West
• Nikki Sauers, Wake 15-Fuquay-Varina
• Sarah Thorstad, Cumberland-Central/ Fayetteville
• Shanda Howell, Hoke County
• Shawn McKee, Wake 18-North/Central Raleigh
• Shelley Brocksmith-Toth, Wake 14-North/East Raleigh
• Sherronda Smith, Cumberland-Greater Cumberland
• Teresa Toney, Onslow County
GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA
HONOR PIN
The GSUSA Honor Pin is awarded to an adult member who has provided outstanding service to two or more areas or program delivery audiences significantly above and beyond the expectations of the recipient’s position.
Elizabeth Albrecht - Cumberland-Central/Fayetteville
Elizabeth “Libby” Albrecht has made a remarkable and lasting impact on the Cumberland Service Unit and across our council through her dedicated service and leadership. She has served in numerous roles— including Area Cookie Coordinator, Mentor, Service Unit Treasurer, Learning Facilitator, Event Director, and more—consistently stepping in wherever needed to ensure success. Libby’s multifaceted contributions have strengthened the foundation of Girl Scouting within our council. She truly embodies teamwork, leadership, service, and sisterhood, and her genuine passion for supporting girls and volunteers inspires all who have the privilege of working alongside her.
Jessica Gill - Wake 14-North/East Raleigh
Jessica Gill has made a meaningful impact on Girl Scouting through her dedicated leadership and service. As a troop leader, she works to ensure every Girl Scout has a positive and enriching experience. Jessica has served as Event Director for many events such as the Girl Scout Derby, Grand Prix and is a member of the Gold Award Committee. A phenomenal leader, she consistently goes above and beyond to support girls and elevate the Girl Scout experience.
Kimberly Breeden - New Hanover County
Kimberly Breeden is an outstanding leader whose dedication to Girl Scouting shines through her service. She creates and supports well-organized, fun, and engaging events for her area and surrounding communities, including Archery Day, Firearms Day, and Day Camp. Kimberly brings Girl Scouts together by fostering sisterhood and empowering both girls and volunteers. As a strong, approachable role model, she never hesitates to step in and get things done in support of Girl Scouting.
Kristen Corley - New Hanover County
Kristen Corley is a transformative leader whose passion and commitment have shaped confident Girl Scouts across the council. As a troop leader, she guided girls earning their Bronze and Silver Awards and led successful fundraising efforts for international travel to Pax Lodge and Our Chalet. Kristen facilitates outdoor training council wide and played a key role in strengthening the Program Aid Program, inspiring a lasting love of the outdoors in girls and volunteers.
Latoya Williams-Clark - Orange County
Latoya Williams-Clark is a force of inspiration in Girl Scouting, whose visionary leadership and boundless energy uplift everyone around her. Her impact extends far beyond her troop, strengthening Orange County and our entire council. She consistently brings fresh, creative ideas to every role she undertakes— from Camporee planning and Day Camp leadership to facilitating trainings, recognitions, and mentoring others. Latoya works tirelessly to transform ideas into meaningful, successful experiences, drawing girls and volunteers to her enthusiasm and encouragement as she lifts those around her. Her unwavering commitment, willingness to serve, and exceptional leadership continue to make our council stronger.
Lillie Thompson - Wayne County
Lillie Thompson is a living legacy of Girl Scouting and a shining example of the Girl Scout Promise and Law. With five decades of dedicated service, she embodies the spirit of Girl Scouting in every role she serves. As the leader of four troops spanning grades K–12, her girls participate in 100% of Service Unit events—always guided by Lillie’s patience, grace, and enthusiasm. An outstanding role model to both girls and volunteers, she leads by example in all she does. Through her many roles, Lillie has become the backbone of wGirl Scouting in Wayne County. To her girls, she is more than a leader—she is family.
Patricia Flinn - Cumberland County-Greater Cumberland
Patricia Flinn is a passionate leader who creates meaningful, girl-led experiences that empower girls to grow and lead with confidence. She mentors older girls with care and dedication, supporting their development into capable, self-assured leaders. Deeply committed to accessibility, Patricia believes every girl deserves the opportunity to be part of Girl Scouts and works tirelessly to make that vision a reality. Serving as a Service Unit Manager, Troop Leader, Learning Facilitator, and more, she consistently embodies courage, confidence, and character in all she does. Inspiring and uplifting, Patricia’s leadership leaves a lasting and meaningful impact on the Girl Scout community.
Rachel Hall-Bailey - Harnett County
Rachel Hall-Bailey is a powerhouse of dedication and heart whose decades of service have touched generations of girls and volunteers. As a troop leader, she opens her arms to every girl—regardless of age— ensuring each one feels welcomed, seen, valued, and encouraged. Rachel serves in many roles, including Troop Leader, Mentor, Fall Product Coordinator, and Leadership Launchpad and First Aid CPR Facilitator, generously sharing her skills, knowledge, and guidance. To girls and volunteers alike, she is more than a leader—she is family: a trusted guide whose love for Girl Scouting leaves a lasting impact on everyone she touches.
Ronnelle Cunningham - Cumberland-Central/Fayetteville
Ronnelle Cunningham is a true beacon of Girl Scouting, whose leadership, creativity, and heart bring girls and volunteers together. She generously mentors new leaders, shares innovative ideas, and helps navigate programs, extending her impact well beyond her own troop. A skilled communicator and collaborator, Ronnelle has hosted and organized engaging experiences such as Girl Scout Week celebrations, painting nights, SWAP nights, skate nights, scavenger hunts, and hikes—each fostering friendship, teamwork, and connection. Through her active support of recruitment efforts in the Cumberland area, Ronnelle demonstrates her deep commitment to helping Girl Scouts thrive, grow, and uplift one another.
Sandra Matthews - Harnett County
Sandra Matthews is a fearless advocate for girls, bringing adventure, creativity, and Girl Scout passion to every troop meeting, event, and community project she leads. As the leader of a large, active K–12 troop involved in community service, events, and trips, Sandra empowers girls by giving them the opportunity to plan and lead every aspect of their meetings and activities. She warmly welcomes new girls, ensuring that everyone feels included and has a place to belong. Serving as a troop leader, Cookie Coordinator, and Fall Product Coordinator, Sandra runs programs with care, precision, and dedication. Sharing her love of the outdoors, she inspires girls through camping and hiking experiences that build confidence, teamwork, and a lifelong appreciation for adventure.
Savannah Hubach - Pender County
Savannah Hubach is a trailblazer in Girl Scouting, continually finding new ways to engage girls and volunteers across the council with creativity, energy, humor, and heart. Serving as a Service Unit Manager, Council Delegate, mentor, Archery and First Aid/CPR facilitator, and area event director, she brings skill, passion, and enthusiasm to every role she takes on. Whether organizing engaging events, rocking a glowin-the-dark party as the DJ, or stepping in to support fellow leaders, Savannah is always ready to share her time and expertise. Her warmth and unmistakable sense of humor are a force to be reckoned with, leaving a lasting and meaningful impact on everyone she touches.
Sarah Burlee - Cumberland County-Greater Cumberland
Sarah Burlee is a force of inspiration and action in Girl Scouts continually raising the bar for leadership, mentorship and service. An active troop leader, NLOTB mentor and event director, she brings energy, guidance and encouragement to every role she serves. A retired military professional, Sarah applies her disciple, integrity and drive always looking for new ways to make an impact. As a cornerstone of her service unit, she serves as Service Unit Manager and Adult Recognitions Coordinator to support and empower volunteers and girls. Her dedication, passion and leadership leave a lasting mark on everyone around her. 7
GSUSA THANKS BADGE
The Girl Scouts of the USA Thanks Badge is the highest award presented in Girl Scouting. It is presented only to those members whose service benefits the entire council and is so significant that no other award is appropriate.
Anna Vick - Beaufort County
Anna Vick is a true treasure in Girl Scouting! Exemplifying kindness, calm and inclusive leadership in every role she undertakes. As a sailing instructor and facilitator, she passionately opens doors for girls to experience boating, sailing and watercraft in a safe, fun and empowering way. Beyond her troop Anna’s expertise, generosity and patience make her an invaluable resource to her service unit and the entire council. She nurtures confidence, curiosity, and a love of the outdoors in every girl she teaches, ensuring that waterfront experiences are memorable and meaningful. Our Girl Scout community is profoundly fortunate to have Anna’s guidance, mentorship and unwavering dedication as she is a living example of the Girl Scout promise.
Chip Reinhardt - Durham 10-North/West
Chip Reinhardt is a tireless advocate, innovator and mentor whose passion for target shooting has created lasting opportunities for hundreds of girl scouts across our council. As a troop leader, event director and facilitator Chip has been instrumental in bringing target shooting to our council ensuring safe, fun and educational experience for girls. Known affectionately as “Mr. Flamingo” he goes above and beyond in everything he does a volunteer. Offering paper targets and aluminum cans at BB gun ranges and personally collecting cans after every event to use resources wisely, his dedication, ingenuity and commitment to supporting Girl Scout makes his impact undeniable. He fosters confidence, skill and enjoyment in sport shooting while leaving a legacy that will benefit generations to come.
Jen Rutan - Wake 18-North/Central Raleigh
Jen Rutan is an extraordinary leader whose passion, skill, expertise, and dedication have expanded and enriched Girl Scout programming across the council. Deeply engaged in the Girl Scouting community, Jen leads three dynamic special-interest troops—robotics, adventure, and target shooting—connecting girls from across the council with handson, confidence-building experiences that spark curiosity and courage. Known for always lending a helping hand, Jen is a trusted supporter of volunteers, offering guidance, encouragement, and practical support that empowers others to deliver meaningful, highquality programming. We are incredibly fortunate to have Jen Rutan as part of our Girl Scout community.
Jessica Jones - Wake 23-Apex/Holly Springs
Jessica Jones exemplifies leadership with purpose, vision, and heart. As a devoted leader of two troops, she fosters inclusive, empowering spaces where girls are encouraged to think critically, lead confidently, and support one another in their growth. A Lifetime Girl Scout member, Jessica brings both experience and passion to her work with teens across the council, guiding them as they plan the annual Teen Camporee. Her invaluable contributions within the Wake 23 Service Unit extend throughout the council, as she serves as a role model, mentor, and inspiration. Jessica embodies the Girl Scout Law and Promise in all she does.
Melissa Reed - Cumberland County-Central/Fayetteville
Melissa Reed’s leadership is both strategic and personal, leaving a lasting impact on our council. As an active Board Chair and member of the Board of Directors for the past 15 years, she provides thoughtful, mission-focused guidance that ensures strong governance, continuity, and collaboration in support of the council’s strategic priorities. Known for her professionalism and integrity, Melissa leads with clarity and purpose, fostering a culture of accountability, inclusivity, and respect. She has strengthened the council’s financial health, guided long-range planning, and supported membership growth, all while modeling our mission in action—mentoring campers at Summer Leadership Camp, facilitating workshops, championing the Highest Awards, and celebrating alongside Girl Scouts and families at Cookie events. A passionate advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and racial justice, Melissa serves as a National Delegate and Chair of the Adult Recognitions Committee, highlighting the contributions of volunteers and their impact on our Movement. She is a courageous and inspiring leader, a voice for inclusion and belonging, and a champion of well-being and growth—truly an inspiration for Girl Scouts today and tomorrow.
LEADING THE WAY AWARD
The Leading the Way Award is presented to those whose outstanding service is inspiring to those around them and an example of an ideal Girl Scout volunteer.
Angie Taylor - Johnston County
Angie Taylor exemplifies leadership in motion, stepping forward, taking initiative, and delivering results wherever she serves. Her tireless dedication and far-reaching impact across the council demonstrates her passion for Girl Scouts. Angie serves our council in numerous leadership and volunteer roles, including Service Unit Manager, Event Director, Area Recognitions Coordinator, Mentor, and Service Unit Treasurer. Through each role, she provides steady guidance and clear vision, ensuring volunteers and girls are supported, well-informed, and empowered to succeed. Her leadership sets the tone for collaboration, accountability and excellence at every level. Angie’s ability to manage complete responsibilities with precision and positivity makes her an invaluable asset to both volunteers and staff. Known for getting things done, Angie has a remarkable talent for turning ideas into action, solving challenges with confidence and ensuring Girl Scouts remain strong, organized and mission focused. Here commitment to service, leadership and the Girl Scout movement embodies what it truly means to lead the way!
Debi Willis - Wake 19-Cary/Morrisville
Debi Willis’s love of Girl Scouting and extraordinary commitment to serving girls, volunteers, and the council is synonymous with dedication and service. Actively engaged at every level—from local involvement to GSUSA and global participation—Debi is a member of Friends of Nuestra Cabaña, helping to amplify global research and connection. Debi exemplifies the spirit of Girl Scouting through her tireless volunteerism, visionary leadership, and unwavering support of both girls and adults. As a council Event Director, she led globally focused celebrations that engaged more than 1,000 girls across the council. These impactful events honored international cultures and celebrated the WAGGGS sisterhood, inspiring girls to deepen their understanding of global citizenship, inclusion, and shared leadership. Her service reflects a lifelong commitment to empowering girls, supporting volunteers, and advancing the mission with integrity and passion. Through her leadership, Debi has created a lasting legacy and truly represents an outstanding volunteer.
Rachel Frawley - Orange County
Rachel Frawley embodies excellence in Girl Scouting, serving as the guiding force behind many of our council’s most meaningful and long-standing programs. Meticulously organized and detailed oriented, Rachel is a leader who ensures nothing is overlooked and every experience is delivered for success. Each year, Rachel is a driving force behind the Orange County Camporee - an event that welcomes participation beyond county lines and reflects her commitment to collaboration and inclusivity. For more than 30 years, Rachel has carried the responsibility of organizing, scheduling and training council level programs including sailing, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding and First Aid CPR AED instructor training. She also works closely with FA/CPR instructors ensuring volunteers are well prepared and safety standards are upheld. The continued vitality of our council’s waterfront programs stands as a testament to Rachel’s dedication and expertise. Rachel’s impact is profound and enduring. Her commitment to excellence, passion for Girl Scouting and tireless service has made her an invaluable force within the Girl Scout Movement.
ADULT AWARD AND RECOGNITION COMMITTEE 2026
Cheryl Burns, Committee Chair, Board First Vice Chair
Melissa Reed, Board Chair
Annette Moore, Board Development Committee Chair
Jenna Green, Board Member
Elaine Penny, Staff Member
Angela Byrum, Volunteer Member
Jim Rupp, Volunteer Member
Katherine Hamilton, Volunteer Member
LaToya Williams-Clark, Volunteer Member
Michelle Wallace, Volunteer Member
Susan Dellay, Volunteer Member
Susan Prettyman, Volunteer Member
Arryana Brooks, Girl Board Member
Yomn Abdel-Rahman, Girl Board Member
Thank you for supporting and making an impact with Girl Scouts — North Carolina Coastal Pines! We build girls of courage, con dence and character. You make the world a better place.
